By Kyle LoJacono
The University of Tampa (UT) women’s soccer team isn’t taking it easy this spring season.
The Spartans scheduled five exhibitions, all of which are against Division I programs.
“That’s really going to help us,” said sophomore midfielder and Gaither High graduate Lauren Moore. “We have to play faster and quicker to be up to their level. We can play at that level, so it’s good to push ourselves to play against teams like that.”
UT demonstrated its ability in the spring opener by winning 1-0 at home against the University of Central Florida, which finished last season ranked No. 18 in the nation.
“That was big, and we were definitely excited for that game,” Moore said. “We came out and showed what we could do. We kept the play high the whole game, and got that shot off to take the lead.”
Moore scored the game’s only goal in the second half off an assist from freshman forward and Steinbrenner High graduate Cici Gonzalez.
The duo was a force for the Spartans’ offense last year.
Moore led the squad with 18 goals and 41 points, while Gonzalez had 12 tallies, including a team-high five game-winners.
Moore was named the Sunshine State Conference (SSC) Player of the Year and a first-team All-American following her sophomore season. She said she’s been working on becoming more of a leader while improving her game.
“I’m trying to do that by talking on the field, with the way I play and practice, working extra — just everything,” Moore said.
Gonzalez was named SSC Freshman of the Year and an All-American honorable mention after her first college season, but said she isn’t resting on what she’s already done.
“What I did last year is over and done with, so I’m looking to improve every day,” Gonzalez said. “I know I can still get a lot better in a lot of areas. My spot isn’t guaranteed. I don’t think anyone’s spot is safe on this team. I know I have to keep working hard.”
Gonzalez said she’s seen the same commitment to winning with the rest of the squad.
“We’re improving every day in practice,” Gonzalez said. “We know what’s expected of us, so now it’s just about going out and perfecting things.”
The Spartans went 15-4-4 last season and reached the third round of the Division II NCAA Tournament, falling to eventual national champion West Florida 2-0.
“We played with them the whole time,” Gonzalez said. “They got a really early goal that kind of changed the game, but I think we definitely could have beaten them. That gave us more confidence because if they won the national championship, we know we’re on the same level if not higher.”
UT graduates one senior, Courtney Peffley (seven goals, 12 assists).
“She’s a big loss for our team, but we have lot of good freshmen coming in,” Gonzalez said. “It’s one of the top recruiting classes I would say, so we’re really excited for next season.”
The Spartans next exhibition is at Stetson March 22.
—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker
